I have a question regarding the permissibility of becoming a
law enforcement officer in this country that does no follow
sharee 'ah. Is it haraam to be enforcing laws that have not
been developed by our Creator Allaah and His holy
Prophets (upon whom be peace)? Even if it means enforcing
laws on non-Muslims?
Partciluarly, is it permissible to enforce a law like punishing
someone for speeding on the highway? What about allowing
someone to drink alcohol if he is over 21 but not if he is
under 21? Even though this is not Islamic, should a Muslim
allow such behaviour among non-Muslims? Of course,
Muslims will be accountable for these haraam actions in the
Hereafter, but is it okay to let non-Muslims do this?
If a Muslim is able, through such work, to fight evil and oppression, or to
prevent or reduce it by using the existing laws which may contain
something of justice and decency, then it is permissible if his intention is
to seek the pleasure of Allah. He may do this work even if it involves
preventing only some people - but not all - from getting drunk, for
example.
But if it involves enforcing laws that are unjust to people - whether they
are Muslim or not - or enforcing something that goes against the
Sharee'ah, like preventing people from wearing hijaab or praying, or
giving some kind of protection to criminals, and so on, then this is not
permitted at all.
The wise and clever Muslim knows from experience to what extent his
work is in accordance with the Sharee'ah that is based on the common
good and on preventing corruption. And Allaah knows best.